The Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar has officially named Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections, putting an end to weeks of speculation. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a joint press conference at Hotel Maurya in Patna, attended by leaders from all alliance partners.
Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot made the declaration, praising Tejashwi Yadav’s credentials. “Tejashwi Yadav is young, capable, and a man of commitment. He has fulfilled his promises and has a long political career ahead. The Grand Alliance will contest this election under his leadership. He will be our Chief Ministerial face,” Gehlot stated.
He further revealed that Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani would be the alliance’s choice for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, emphasising the coalition’s unity by adding, “All is well within the mahagathbandhan. We will contest together with full unity and strength.”
The announcement resolves a critical issue that had stalled the seat-sharing agreement between the RJD and the Congress, which has not yet been formally finalised. Earlier this week, the RJD released a list of 143 candidates for the elections. The Congress, which had initially demanded 70 seats—matching its 2020 allocation when it secured only 19—faced pressure to reduce its demand.
The decision to project Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face also settles a point of contention, as most alliance partners, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and VIP, had already endorsed him. The Congress, however, had previously argued that the leadership question should be decided post-election. Wednesday’s unanimous backing of Tejashwi Yadav by all partners eliminates this uncertainty.
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Political analysts suggest that this move could galvanise the Grand Alliance’s core voter base, particularly among youth and backward caste communities, while presenting a united front against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan, on the other hand, includes the RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPI(M), and VIP.
Adding to the electoral complexity, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has announced its intention to contest all 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly, intensifying the competition. The elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting set for November 14.
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